278546 Wed Jun 29 18:17:33 -0700 2005 4 31 Home Cooking 0 1474583 I made a special trip today to an Indian market to get some Basmati rice. They were out of my usual brand (Kohinoor?), and I ended up with a 10 pound container of Elephant 817 Aged Rice. When I went to put it away, I noticed that it has a sticker identifying May 2003 as the manufacturing date. Does that mean that my rice is stale and I should return it? Or is that what they mean by "aged" rice? I'd appreciate some guidance. Thanks! Wed Jun 29 18:17:33 -0700 2005 0 DS 1 1474601 If you don't want it, I'll take it. Basmati is better aged. Wed Jun 29 20:24:59 -0700 2005 1474583 0 Candy 1 1474603 No, basmati should always be aged to some extent at least, and is harvested only once a year. (So, 2004 basmati wouldn't be a year old yet.) As far as I know, all the export stuff is aged, I think for at least one year, though it's not all dated. Kept in decent conditions (dry and airy), in fact, the older the better, according to some cooks at least - it becomes more fragrant over time. According to some things I've read, Indian families have been known to "lay down" basmati rice for children's weddings, much the way the English upper classes routinely used to do with wine. This is fairly unique in the rice world though - in general, fresher is better. Wed Jun 29 20:28:42 -0700 2005 1474583 0 MikeG 1 1474613 That's good rice. Wed Jun 29 21:13:50 -0700 2005 1474583 0 wally 1 1476742 Ds, Basmati rice is like wine older it is better it is , and i am surprised Kohinoor is not a premium basmt rice , 817 elephant and pari are top brands here. Use and u' feel the difference . So remember for basmati older it is better it is . Sun Jul 24 10:12:06 -0700 2005 1474583 0 Vini